Wood staying focused despite captaincy link

The 25-year-old Northampton flanker has recently been touted as the next Red Rose skipper

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Northampton flanker Tom Wood insists he will not be distracted from his club duties despite recent talk linking him to the England captaincy.

Wood, 25, was thrust into the frame recently by Saints director Jim Mallinder who said his player has the necessary qualities to lead his country.

And with new interim coaches Graham Rowntree, Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell coming in to the England set up, as well as Lewis Moody having retired, the captaincy and selection for February's RBS 6 Nations are up for grabs.

But Wood, who is certainly in contention to start for England in the upcoming tournament, says for the moment he is simply focused on performing for his club.

"[To be linked with the captaincy] is a huge compliment, and if it has come from players, colleagues and coaches, even more so," said Wood.

"But for me, I keep my feet on the ground and don't let any of that get to me. I try to lead Saints in my own way, more by example than anything else, and I just try to play as well as I can.

"Every young player dreams of playing for England, and the captaincy would be a bonus.

"But playing well for Saints is what puts you in the selectors' eyes and gets you those rewards eventually."

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.